Runbow Reviews

Runbow is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
3 / 5.0
Sep 7, 2015

The best way to describe Runbow is that it feels like the kind of idea that would've made for a creative series of one or two levels in a Mario game, but here that's the entire game from start to finish with little variation. I can't stress enough that you probably just shouldn't bother with Runbow unless you have at least three or four friends with whom to play with on a regular basis.

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9 / 10
Aug 26, 2015

As mentioned in the opening, Runbow is easily one of the best games that has graced the Wii U; it's a game that is very Nintendo in every single aspect, from concept to art and sound direction, to the point that Nintendo itself has taken the liberty to celebrate a launch party for Runbow at the Nintendo World Store in NYC. It's an excellent party game with a solid single player campaign and more unlockables than the colours of the rainbow; you won't regret paying the admission for this gem on the Wii U.

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8 / 10
Jul 2, 2018

Runbow is a great example of a party game that can cater to solo and multiplayer preferences alike, and almost certainly deserves a cheeky purchase on Switch. The gameplay is great fun, the presentation is to die for, and unlocking Nindie heroes through a really nicely put together adventure mode is the icing on the cake. We felt there was a little left to be desired with some elements of the multiplayer modes, and this might just make some think a little harder before jumping in, but we absolutely recommend giving this one a go if you're interested regardless.

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7.3 / 10.0
Jul 27, 2017

Colourful, fun and unique, but feels too shallow and may be so distressing.

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7 / 10
Sep 10, 2015

At its heart, Runbow is a game to break out during a big gathering, rather than play on your own. Nothing is more fun than hooking up controllers and playing with a whole bunch of your friends for a night, and Runbow offers that in spades, provided you have all the Wii Remotes and attachments at your disposal. It's the perfect fit for the design philosophy of Nintendo's consoles lately and a great debut from 13AM Games.

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8 / 10
Sep 14, 2015

One of the best massively multiplayer offline games of recent years, although like any party game its attractions are fairly fleeting.

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Sep 15, 2015

All in all, Runbow is a decent party game that offers some laughs and a nice amount of variety, though it is unfortunately not as accomplished as other similar games.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 26, 2015

For the price, I'd still recommend Runbow for solo players, as long as you really love platforming. Even if you only enjoy the genre just a little though, it's still a fantastic party game.

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9 / 10
Jul 10, 2018

Those looking for the basic Runbow experience can find everything they're looking for on the Nintendo Switch. Is it a full upgrade from the Wii U version? Not exactly. The Wii U version had a clever game mode called Color Master, in which one person on the Wii U GamePad could select the color patterns and try to troll their friends into dying. Losing that mode is sad, but fortunately, Runbow has plenty else to hang its hat on.

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Sep 6, 2015

Offering a splendid amount of content in one package that can be enjoyed in both single and multiplayer, the colorful Runbow easily deserves a spot in the party game lineup

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7.5 / 10.0
Jul 2, 2018

After a while Runbow definitely becomes more of the same, but, to its credit, what it offers is inherently fun. The constantly changing colors are intimidating at first but I was shocked at how quickly it became intuitive. There are a lot of good platformers out there, but what makes this unique is the fact that levels aren't difficult in their design, specifically. Instead, the challenge comes from your own ability to quickly think about the shifting environment and plan your next move. Runbow is about negotiating when to take your time and when to race into a rhythm. Sometimes it's about being careful, but more often than not, Runbow is the platforming equivalent of double dutch—it takes skill but once you get in a groove you can pull off some spectacular things. And, much like double dutch, it's a bit more fun when more people jump in. Whether you're a casual gamer or a platforming veteran, you'll find Runbow easy to pick up but hard to put down.

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90 / 100
Sep 7, 2015

If you love party games, Runbow is definitely a game to add to your library, even for the single player Adventure mode it's worth it. There are hours of replay-ability in the Adventure and Bowhemoth modes, tons of unlockable content, and of course hours of fun online or local multiplayer. With six different game modes you'll never get bored. This is a game you don't want to miss out on; so pick your favourite controller, invite some friends over, and start the party.

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Drew Leachman
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2015

Looking past those issues, Runbow is a fantastic game that I believe every Wii U owner should have. It's great single player and even more fun with some friends, both locally and online. Without a doubt, this is a great party game that has all the makings for a must have Wii U title. I can't suggest it enough.

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80 / 100
Jul 18, 2018

Overall, I will have to say that Runbow has impressed me with its gameplay and simplicity, and all I need now are more friends to play video games with.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2015

Runbow has a fairly unique concept in its playstyle that I don't believe I've seen in any other game before.  While the single player modes provide quite a bit of challenge on their own, I feel the multiplayer modes are where this game shines.  While AI opponents would have been nice so anyone could experience those modes, this is an excellent game for quick play on your own or for when you have lots of friends over.

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Liked-a-lot
Aug 27, 2015
Runbow - Video Review (Wii U) video thumbnail
9 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2015

One of the best indie games to surface this year, Runbow is a sheer delight, whether you're running through the game on your own or taking up with a group of friends in a fight to the finish. Make sure you rush to the eShop and give it a download.

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Sep 11, 2015

An unusual fusion, not just because it's a platformer with fighting, but because it's a party game for the hardcore.

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9.5 / 10.0
Aug 26, 2015

Overall, Runbow is easily one of the best indie titles currently available on the Wii U, and the single best local multiplayer game I have played on the console. What really sets Runbow apart though isn't just its multiplayer gameplay, but its plethora of modes, innovative level design, charm, and overall gaming excellence.

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Sep 8, 2015

With a bevy of different modes and ways to play, Runbow strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and appeal; you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason to turn down a game that's this fun.

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